Galapagos Tours

Discover the evocative islands that inspired Charles Darwin on your customized Galápagos adventure—by sea (fly in from Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador to embark on your 3- to 7-day cruise on a large or small ship). Or, experience our land program where you’ll base yourselves at our Galapagos Safari Camp in the highlands on Santa Cruz Island. Our eco-lux ...ury tented camp there features a hilltop lodge, delicious meals, infinity pool and magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean. Whatever you choose, your naturalist guides will encourage snorkeling with sea lions or sea turtles, trekking the lunar landscape of active volcanoes and walking on pristine beaches. Tour the Charles Darwin Research Station and stargaze under the equatorial sky. As for kids, our Galapagos Family Adventure will have all ages up close to wildlife that has no fear of man: behold a giant tortoise or search for lizards, iguanas, penguins, blue-footed boobies, seals and sea lions sprawled on the warm beaches. Let our experts plan the perfect personalized Galapagos tour for unforgettable moments in this natural paradise.Show More

As you wake to greet a new day in paradise, stroll out onto the deck of your boutique yacht as it ever so carefully threads through hundreds of stunning volcanic islands enroute to one of the planet’s most magnificent natural environments.

Discover the beauty of Darwin's Galapagos as you luxuriously cruise amongst the islands, making landfall for arms-length encounters with sea lions, tortoises, land and marine iguanas, penguins and more. Conclude your journey with a private guided experience through the cities of the Equatorial Andes in Ecuador.

BEFORE YOU GO

On Your Galapagos Tour

PASSPORTS

VISAS

INSURANCE

VACCINATIONS

MEDICATION

WEATHER, SEASONS & CLIMATE

ELECTRICITY, PHONE & INTERNET

CURRENCY

Quick Facts

Passport Requirements for Galapagos Tours

American and Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended return date in order to enter and depart the Galapagos Islands. Tourists must also provide proof of return or onward travel. Each traveler is responsible for ensuring that his/her passport is up to date. Citizens of other nationalities should check with respective authorities before departure.

Please ensure that the name on your passport matches all travel documents we have issued. If this is not the case, please contact us immediately.

Please make a photocopy of your passport’s identification page and keep it separate from the original. It’s also a good idea to leave a digital copy with someone at home. This may speed the replacement process should you lose your passport.

Visa Requirements for Galapagos Tours

American and Canadian citizens traveling on regular passports for business or tourist purposes do not need a visa for a stay of up to 90 days. Please note that if you are staying longer than 90 days, obtaining a visa is your responsibility. These requirements change often and therefore it is recommended that you check with the Embassy of Ecuador for the most up-to-date information.

Insurance Recommendations for Galapagos Tours

Cancellation and Medical Insurance is highly recommended as it can safeguard against the expenses associated with in-country medical emergencies, lost or delayed baggage and emergency cancelation or interruption of your trip. Please ensure your policy will provide you with upfront medical coverage so that you are not responsible for a hefty doctor’s bill while away. Insurance can be purchased through us.

Vaccination Requirements for Galapagos Tours

Currently Required Vaccinations for the Galapagos: None

However, if you are traveling in the rainforest areas of continental Ecuador, you may need a yellow fever vaccination depending on the area. If that is the case, please bring vaccination certificates with you in your carry-on luggage as you may need to present them on arrival.

Remember that the best precaution is the preventative kind. Wearing long sleeves is a good idea. If you are traveling to rainforest/jungle areas, avoid mosquitoes to reduce the risk of contracting yellow fever, dengue fever and malaria. Avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by liberally applying mosquito repellent that contains DEET to your skin and clothes, wearing long-sleeved shirts and trousers/slacks, especially during the evenings.

Medication Requirements for Galapagos Tours

If there are any medical items essential to your health, such as prescription drugs or corrective eye wear, bring duplicates and divide them between your checked bags and hand luggage. While non-prescription drugs such as aspirin are generally available, it is difficult to replace prescription items.

Weather, Seasons and Climate in Galapagos

Continental Ecuador: Each region of the country has its own climate.

In the highlands, it is spring-like most of the year. Although colder and rainy in the winter months from May through October, temperatures are about 70°F (21°C- 26°C) during the day and about 50 °F (10°F C – 15°C) during the evening. On the coast, the average temperature is about 83° F (28°C). The hot, rainy season runs from November to May and the dry season from June to December. In the Amazon rainforest, the climate is humid and warm with quite a bit of rain.

Galapagos: As the islands lie directly on the Equator, you can expect the weather to be warm for most of the year. The hottest season is generally from January to April with average temperatures ranging from 70°F to 84° F (22°C - 31° C). During this period, you may expect afternoon thundershowers. In a severe El Nino Ni~o season, you can expect rain or thundershowers at any time. The “cool” (and dry) season runs from April to December with average temperatures ranging from a low of 68°F to a high of 82°F (19°C – 27° C). During this time of year you may encounter "garua" (misty rain) early in the morning and in the highlands of Santa Cruz and San Cristobal. The average year-round temperature on the islands is 76°F (24°C). For up-to-date forecasts, check www.weather.com.

Electricity, Phone and Internet in Galapagos

Mobile Telephone: Roaming agreements exist with some international mobile phone companies so check with your provider before your departure. Mobile phones can be rented in Guayaquil and main cities. Coverage is sporadic.

Internet: Service is available in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. On mainland Ecuador, wireless access is available in urban areas and most 3 to 5-star hotels.

Currency in Galapagos

The currency in Ecuador is the U.S. Dollar, which replaced the Ecuador Sucre on January, 2000. Notes are in denominations of US$100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 while the coins are in denominations of US$1 and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.The official exchange rate is published daily in the newspapers and online at www.xe.com.